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Pixelated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pixelated

[หˆpษชksษ™leษชtษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

image quality

Appearing in a form of small square blocks, as if displayed on a computer screen.

Synonyms

blocky, fuzzy, grainy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pixelated

This term is often used when describing digital images that are displayed with visible pixels, usually due to low resolution or zooming in too much.

  • The photo you sent me is so pixelated, I can hardly recognize the face.
  • When you enlarge the image too much, it becomes pixelated.
blocky

This word is generally used to refer to images, graphics, or designs that appear to be composed of rectangular shapes or blocks. It's often used in the context of video games or artistic designs.

  • The graphics in that old video game are really blocky.
  • His art style is very blocky and geometric.
grainy

Commonly used to describe images or videos that have visible noise or granules, often due to low light or high ISO settings in photography.

  • The old black-and-white film is quite grainy.
  • When you shoot at high ISO, the pictures can look grainy.
fuzzy

Used to describe images, photos, or videos that are unclear or not sharp, often because they are out of focus or low quality.

  • The footage from the security camera is too fuzzy to make out any details.
  • The picture came out fuzzy because I didnโ€™t hold the camera still.

Examples of usage

  • The image looked pixelated on the old monitor.
  • The video game character appeared pixelated due to low resolution.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • Pixelation can occur when an image is enlarged beyond its original size, revealing individual pixels.
  • In digital art, pixelated images often have a nostalgic value, reminiscent of early video games.
  • Specialized software can intentionally pixelate images for artistic effects or privacy purposes.

Art

  • Pixel art is a popular artistic style that uses small squares of color, often used in retro video games.
  • Artists like Chuck Close utilize pixelated techniques to create large-scale portraits that rely on close-up details.
  • Pixelation can evoke a sense of nostalgia, linking viewers to the early days of digital technology.

Psychology

  • Pixelated images can affect human perception by making it challenging to recognize details.
  • Studies suggest that viewing pixelated visuals can create a sense of mystery or intrigue, prompting viewers to engage more.
  • The brain often fills in gaps to form coherent images, demonstrating how we process blurred or distorted visuals.

Pop Culture

  • The aesthetics of pixelation are celebrated in many movies and artworks, especially those referencing retro video games.
  • Music videos and design styles often incorporate pixelated visuals for a playful, vintage feel.
  • Pixelation has appeared in popular films like 'Wreck-It Ralph,' which pays homage to different eras of gaming.

Origin of 'pixelated'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from 'pixel,' a combination of 'picture' and 'element.'
  • It first came into use in the 1960s, as technology started allowing people to create images on screens.
  • The concept of pixelation became widely recognized with the rise of digital images and computer graphics.

The word 'pixelated' is derived from the word 'pixel', which is a combination of 'picture' and 'element'. The concept of pixels dates back to the early days of computer graphics, when images were displayed on screens using individual colored squares. As technology advanced, the term 'pixelated' became commonly used to describe images or videos with visible square blocks or low resolution.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,656, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.